2009 Ford Flex

A revised rear suspension relocates the coil springs inboard so the shocks can move outboard where they stand almost straight up to provide more efficient damping. (No, plywood won't fit flat on the floor between them, but it can slide in atop the armrests.) Beefing up the front and rear anti-roll bars relieved the shocks of some of their roll-control duty, allowing them to provide a more comfortable yet controlled ride. The rear of the chassis is also reinforced to accept a class-III hitch, boosting 2009 Ford Flex's trailering muscle to 4500 pounds (enough to cover most boats and lightweight travel trailers). The stretched wheelbase and low center of gravity reportedly make this a stable, comfortable tow vehicle (trailer-sway mitigation isn't even programmed into the stability and roll-control system). The optional rearview camera makes lining up the hitch a no-brainer.

With a third-row seat rated for two passengers to the Traverse's three, it's available in six- (with optional refrigerator between the split second row) and seven-passenger variants. Other notable 2009 Ford Flex options include Microsoft Sync and a big panorama roof. The third row is more comfortable for adults than the Traverse's three-passenger rear seat.

With its soft suspension, deliberate steering, and big flat expanse of hood ahead of the driver, it doesn't inspire spirited driving, which helps explain better fuel economy versus the Traverse on our loop. The 2009 Ford Flex V6 / six-speed automatic combo is smooth with adequate power, although the transmission offers no upshift-downshift options for family vacations across the Rockies. Those who fondly remember late-1960s Country Squires with 429 V-8 options will appreciate the coming 3.5-liter EcoBoost making about 325 horses.

Overall, the 2009 Ford Flex is an impressive package. It takes the quirky, modern designs of the Mini Cooper and Scion xB, then manages to squeeze six or seven people (two interiors will be offered) inside the thing with nearly endless headroom. The ribbed doors recall classic American "woodie" station wagons, but not in a cheesy, retro sort of way. The roof - available in white or silver - is very cool, and standard eighteen inch wheels (with nineteens optional) finish the package.

As far as buzz-inspiring features go (it wouldn't be a new American car without at least three,) Ford's Sync system leads off the list, offering Bluetooth, a music-holding hard drive, and voice recognition software. In six-passenger versions, a refrigerator will be offered between the 2009 Flex second row captain's chairs.

The Ford Flex has many positives, though. Ride and, to a slightly lesser extent, handling, are very impressive for a vehicle this size. From behind the wheel, the Flex feels smaller than it is, and I found the driver's seat quite comfortable once I got settled. I agree with Lorio that the 2009 Flex needs a telescoping steering column, though.

The first thing you come across in the Flex is its bad driving position. The seats aren't very comfortable, and the lack of a telescoping wheel, as others have noted, is a huge oversight. It doesn't drive as well as a Mazda CX-9, but the 2009 Ford Flex's ride and handling are quite good for its size and weight.

3.5-liter DOHC V-6, "more than" 260 horsepower, 245 pound-feet. Six-speed automatic and choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

Two-tone paint (white suede or silver roof), multi-panel vista roof, rear backup camera, power liftgate, Microsoft Sync voice recognition, programmable ambient lighting, refrigerator between second-row seats, one-touch flip-and-fold second row, navigation with real-time traffic, weather and 23,000-song jukebox.

2009 Ford Flex comes equipped with features that reflect Ford's commitment to keeping customers and their families safe and secure. The new crossover's body structure has been optimized with side intrusion beams in the doors, strategic use of high-strength boron steel and specially designed, energy-absorbing interior door trims.

Flex is powered by Ford's award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 engine and is mated to a fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission. The powertrain is expected to deliver more than 260 horsepower, 245 lb.-ft. of torque and good fuel economy. Ford Flex's available intelligent all-wheel-drive system is tuned to provide confident driving in all weather conditions. Intelligent AWD uses an active, on-demand electronic center coupler to allocate a precise amount of torque from front to rear - up to 100 percent to either axle. The system also can anticipate wheel slip before it happens.

Driving north out of New York City through the "what recession?" bedroom communities of Larchmont and Mamaroneck in Westchester County, the 2009 Ford Flex demonstrated reasonable acceleration, and its handling was about as sprightly as one expects in a two-ton car. Ride is supple and controlled with minimal lean or fuss in turns, but the long wheelbase and mass are natural deterrents to any boy-racer inclinations. So is the transmission, the selector for which offers only "D" and "L." That's grossly inadequate and a manumatic shifter must be added ASAP, if for no other reason than to enable folks to maintain proper engine braking in mountain descents without the unanticipated downshifts "L" brings. A "hill" mode supposedly improves transmission responsiveness and reduces hunting when towing, climbing, or driving briskly, but it's no substitute for a proper +/- gear selector."

Ford's new seven-passenger 2009 Ford Flex crossover has received a five-star frontal- and side-impact crash test rating from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while receiving a four-star rollover rating. The 2009 Flex crash ratings apply to both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants of Ford's newest full-size crossover, a vehicle based on the underpinnings of the Ford Taurus and Taurus X - both five-star rated vehicles themselves. Ford engineers designed the Flex with dual front airbags, headliner mounted side curtain airbags, and Ford's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC). Additionally, the 2009 Ford Flex uses lightweight aluminum-coated boron steel in its body structure, which according to Ford, is one of the strongest weld-able materials. High-strength steel comprises the Flex's B-pillars, while side door intrusion beams offer additional side-impact protection.

The Flex was well-received for its overall design package and detailing and was noted for its unique touches including hidden rocker panels, a capless fuel filler, and an illuminating touch-pad locking system. The 2009 Ford Flex is also a 5-star frontal- and 5-star side-impact crash tester and has been named the "Top Safety Pick" by the IIHS.